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Published: June 11th 2011
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Wednesday morning Kerry called Rankin Lock before we left the marina. The lockmaster said there were 6 tows behind us, but if we left right away, we’d have plenty of time to lock through before the first one got close. So off we went. We did the final 3 locks, one after the other, with no waiting. The final lock, Whitten Lock, had a lift of 84’, the 4th highest in the country. Once through Whitten, we were in Tennessee River waters, but what the locals call Yellow Creek. We tied up on the transient dock at Aqua Yacht Harbor Marina after taking on about 40 gallons of fuel. Then we headed for their swimming pool, where we soaked in the refreshing waters for a good long while.
Thursday morning we continued on, finally reaching Pickwick Lake and the actual Tennessee River. What a sight for sore eyes. We had forgotten how beautiful Pickwick Lake is. We got to Pickwick Lock and locked down for a change, a drop of 55‘. Again we didn’t have to wait for the lock. Now we were definitely in familiar waters. Everything looks green and lush, and even though it was still hot, it
Gaggles of Geese
swimming by at the marina didn’t seem as hot. We dropped anchor at Double Islands, TN river mile 149, only 48 miles from our home port. We put the dinghy in the water there, not because we wanted to ride, but because the boat won’t fit under the roof of our slip with the dinghy davit on. We’d tow the dink the rest of the way. Then we went swimming. The water was about 20’ deep, with a fairly strong current, so was quite cool. We eased into the cool waters with only a few squeals and plenty of goose bumps. But it didn’t take long to get used to it and soon it felt wonderfully refreshing. We soaked for half an hour or more and climbed out feeling much cooler. When we first got in the water, a bald eagle flew over and landed in a nearby tree. It stayed there a while until a noisy ski boat came by and frightened it off.
Friday morning we were up early, excited about getting home, while at the same time feeling sad that the trip was almost over. No locks today and not many boats. Once we passed under the I-40 bridge at Cuba
Water Swirls
water turbulence as lock fills from bottom Landing we really got antsy, 2 more hours. Then we turned into Birdsong Creek and we were almost there. Once in sight of the dock, I honked our horn, and along came Claudia and Tommy, down the walkway. As we neared the dock, they waved and shot off a bottle rocket that went straight into the water. But we’ve never been greeted by fireworks, another first. Then there was our slip, there were our friends ready to take our lines. Out came the beer, out came the bubbly, we were home at last. We had a fun couple of hours visiting before gathering a few necessities and heading for home.
David and Misty had brought our van down a few days ago, so we loaded up, went to Walmart then Pizza Hut before going to the house. David, Misty and the boys came over and ate pizza with us and visited. What nice hugs and kisses we got. Then later, to bed in our own bed. What a treat, with air conditioning to boot. Life is good. Michael, Crystal and kids will be back from St. Louis tomorrow night. Can’t wait to see them, too. Now all we need
Whitten Lock
boat leaving lock, probably 42' or bigger, looks small in lock are Sara and Trevor back and all will be complete.
Life is very, very good.
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Thaddeus Taylor
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Bienvenue à la maison
I think that would be the opposite of bon voyage. Looking forward to S & T being contactable again too. Any day now. After youve had to time to adjust to not constantly moving, let me know if you end up coming this direction. Love to see you guys again.